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Saturday, January 31, 2026

San Diego Adventures

We have not been to San Diego in some 40 years. We recently had an opportunity to return to the city and visit some former lake neighbors who have lived there for over 35 years. The three-day trip was packed with lots of sightseeing, food, and a variety of city experiences. Since we had been to the zoo before, we skipped it this visit and planned to see other things we had not seen. The restaurant scene was "over the top" in my estimation. There were so many to choose from with very diverse menus. Did you know there are over 4,986 restaurants in the city?  

A memorable lunch at a nearby yacht club offered stellar views of the water and fancy boats docked.

Near Point Loma, we enjoyed panoramic views of San Diego Bay and learned about Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo's historic landing.

Sunset Cliffs Natural Park offered breathtaking ocean vistas and dramatic cliff formations.

We enjoyed watching the seal escapades at La Jolla Seal Rookery.

The Mediterranean climate of San Diego and its rich underwater world of marine life attract large colonies of Pacific harbor seals and California sea lions. In the morning or late afternoon, most of the San Diego seals and sea lions can be found basking in the sun along the sandy beaches of La Jolla. It was difficult to get clear photos of the seals and lions because they blended into the landscape/rocks.

Coronado Island Escapade

A visit to the island of Coronado over a very steep bridge was quite spectacular. The massive hotel has about 1,500 rooms and a pristine white-sand beach. We are on the 😊steps

 
Backside of the hotel with more rooms. 
                                                                                                                                       
I thought the plastic domes over the tables, protecting them from wind, sand, and rain, were a creative touch. 

Back into the city and to the harbor area, we found the iconic "Kissing Statue." The statue, crafted from bronze, is titled “Unconditional Surrender” and is commonly known as the “Kissing Statue.” Located next to the historic USS Midway Museum, this towering sculpture has become a symbol of love, celebration, and the end of World War II.


The legacy of Bob Hope is commemorated with a major sculpture titled "The National Salute  to Bob Hope and the Military" located in Waterfront Park. 
 
I was mesmerized by the expansive Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial in La Jolla. It honors veterans by preserving their legacy. Each granite plaque is a narrative of bravery, a testament to the unbreakable spirit of those who defended our freedom. 

  


The Old Point Loma Lighthouse is a beacon of history and maritime heritage at Cabrillo National Monument. Perched atop the Point Loma Peninsula, this iconic structure offers visitors a glimpse into the past, showcasing the lives of the lightkeepers and the evolution of coastal navigation. Built in 1855, the Old Point Loma Lighthouse was one of the first eight lighthouses on the West Coast.

So you can see we made a wide sweep of the city in a very short time. On our last day, an extra bonus was that our hostess made homemade cherry turnovers that were so delicious. I documented all her steps as a tutorial, hoping to recreate this flaky puff pastry at home. Check the Ever Ready site for the Cherry Puff Pastry Tutorial on Monday.   

San Diego is a must-see destination with so many interesting sights and activities. Living in the desert makes the Pacific Ocean a very attractive sight. 


Friday, January 30, 2026

Easy Stir Fry Chicken Rice Bowl

 Easy Stir Fry Chicken Rice Bowl 

Cook's Notes: Protein-rich chicken and fresh veggies tossed with a flavorful Asian style sauce. Serve the stir-fry over seamed brown rice, cellophane, or udon noodles. Garnish with diced green onions, chopped cashews, or peanuts. Beef cubes could substitute for chicken.


Broccolini is not baby broccoli even though it may look like it. This lanky vegetable is a hybrid; first created in 1993, it’s a cross between broccoli and Chinese broccoli. It has small florets, long stalks, and a few small leaves — all of which are edible. Compared to the bitter flavor of regular broccoli, Broccolini is milder, with a sweet, earthy taste. And while it can be eaten raw, Broccolini is best when cooked. It can be sautéed, steamed, roasted, and grilled. It's a winter vegetable.

Asian Chicken Stir Fry Rice Bowl
Recipe serves 3-4
Ingredients:
  • 4 cups cooked brown rice
  • 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame oil
  • 2 large chicken breasts, diced or beef cubes
  • 1/2 cup green onions, diced
  • 3 tablespoons sesame seeds
  • 1 cup matchstick carrots
  • 1 cup mini sweet red peppers, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3/4-1 cup Kung Pao Stir-Fry Sauce, divided (readily available Asian aisle- grocery store)

  • 1/4 cup chicken broth (low sodium)
  • 1 cup broccolini
  • 1-2 cups sugar snap peas
  • Optional red pepper flakes or Sriracha Sauce
  • Garnish with salted cashews or peanuts
Directions:
  • In a wok or a large skillet pan, heat sesame oil and add 1/3 cup stir fry sauce, chicken pieces, carrots, onions, peppers, sesame seeds, and garlic. Sauté on medium-low heat for 10-12 minutes, covered, stirring occasionally. Uncover and add the rest of the stir-fry sauce and chicken broth.
  • In a colander, add a tray of ice cubes. Blanch sugar snap peas by bringing water to a boil in a saucepan, add and boil for 1 minute. Drain peas in a colander with ice.
  • Add the cut broccolini florets and blanched sugar snap peas, and stir-fry for 3-4 min more with the chicken mixture.
  • To serve, fill a bowl with rice or cooked udon noodles and top with the chicken stir-fry mixture


Wednesday, January 28, 2026

Book Review A Day for Just Us


Read Your World is a non-profit whose mission is to raise awareness of children’s books that celebrate diversity and to get more of these books into readers' hands. Valarie Budayr and Mia Wenjen founded this non-profit children’s literacy initiative 13 years ago. They are two diverse book-loving moms who saw a need to shine a spotlight on the multicultural books and authors on the market, while also working to get those books into the hands of young readers and educators.

With the alarming increase in children’s books being challenged and banned, giving kids access to diverse stories is more important than ever.
We do this by donating books to reviewers and classroom libraries.
We provide book lists and classroom kits to help parents, guardians, teachers, librarians, and readers find the diverse children’s books that they need.
Our weekly Ig Live Interview series also highlights children's books, spotlighting multicultural books and authors on the market and working to get these books into readers' hands.



This board book, written by teen parents,  "A Day Just For Us," imagines all the possibilities a child and parent can explore and do on Saturdays after a week of work.  The concepts and text are relatable and relevant for the age group 4-7. The board book is a good discussion tool for classroom and/or in home enjoyment. The idea of making Saturday a choice day, whether going to the market, shopping at stores, the mall, or enjoying a festival/celebration, promotes discussion between child and or parent. The book can also prompt a parent and child to explore new ideas on a Saturday or a day off that weren't included in the book.  The authors carefully chose the limited vocabulary. It encourages word recognition and repetitiveness for young readers.  

This board book is durable and features eye-catching colors and bold shapes. Young readers will relate to all the discoveries possible on a day when a child gets extra time with a parent. I liked the inclusion of diverse characters with a variety of skin tones featured.  

 

To Dave Ring,  Publishing Manager, Shout Mouse Press, for support and resources for this review. 
Sue Ready is a freelance writer, food blogger, former elementary and middle school teacher, and book reviewer of all genres on Facebook at EverReady Book Reviews. 

ALL ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Tamara Huzair Sahin (she/her) is a 23-year-old second-generation Sri Lankan American from western New York. A Day Just For Us is her first published book. Tamara is a proud student mom raising an adventurous three-year-old daughter with her husband. She is working toward her degree in early childhood education with
a goal of becoming an educator. Tamara hopes to challenge stereotypes about misrepresented groups and amplify voices that are often left unheard.

Aniyah Martin

Aniyah Jhanae Martin is a 22-year-old African American from
Washington, DC. A Day Just For Us is her first published book. Anyiah is a proud
student mom, balancing studying to become a pediatrician and raising her
daughter, Dakota. As a survivor of domestic violence, Aniyah advocates for family safety and wellness. With this book, Aniyah wants parents to celebrate their time off and embrace quality time during the weekend.

Diana Padilla is a 21-year-old Mexican American from Brooklyn, New York. A Day Just For Us is her first published book. Diana is a proud student-parent, raising her son, Elias, while studying pre-med with the goal of becoming a neonatal surgeon. She hopes to inspire families to have more quality time together.

ILLUSTRATOR
Romeo Montero 
Is a freelance illustrator by night and a museum worker by day. He is based in Philadelphia, where he received a BFA in illustration from Moore College of Art & Design. You can find more of his work at romeoillustration.com.

Read Your World is honored to be supported by these Medallion Sponsors
FOUNDER’S CIRCLE: Mia Wenjen (Pragmaticmom) and Valarie Budayr (Audreypress.com)

🏅 Super Platinum Sponsor: Author Deedee Cummings and Make A Way Media
🏅 Platinum Sponsors: Language Lizard Bilingual Books in 60 Languages and Jeanne Walker Harvey
🏅 Gold Sponsors: Publisher Spotlight
🏅 Silver Sponsors: Red Comet Press
🏅 Silver Corporate Sponsor: Kathy Choi
🏅 Bronze Sponsors: Fabled Films Press
🏅 Corporate Sponsor: Crayola Education

Read Your World is honored to be supported by these Author Sponsors!

Authors: Audrey Barbakoff, Federico Erebia, Teddi Ahrens, Stephanie M. Wildman, Maritza M. Mejia, Authors J.C. Kato and J.C.², Eugenia Chu, Dorktales Storytime Podcast, Josh Funk, Frances Díaz Evans, Gaia Cornwall, Eric Clock, Maria Wen Adcock, Diana Huang, Gwen Jackson, Gea Meijering, Amanda Hsiung-Blodgett, Ismee Williams, Karin Fisher-Golton, Kathleen Burkinshaw, Tami Lehman-WilzigDaria Marmaluk-Hajioannou, Nancy Tupper Ling, Teresa Robeson, Crystal Z. Lee, Karen Leggett Abouraya, Elly Swartz, Robbin Miller, Shifa Safadi, Tonya Ellis,Lisa Stringfellow, Sylvia Liu, Kimberly Biddle, Robbin Miller, Eric Clock, Tonya Ellis, Nadine Pressley, Natahsa Yim Carter, and Lisa Chong.

Read Your World is honored to be supported by our CoHosts and Global CoHosts and by our Partner Organizations!



Tuesday, January 27, 2026

Grown-Up Baked Mac and Cheese with Crumb Topping

 

This Kraft box of macaroni and cheese represents one of the most quintessential comfort foods. My children have consumed many, many macaroni and cheese dinners courtesy of Kraft during their childhood. Truly, it was one of their favorite foods. I liked it because it was so easy to make, though I never indulged in it. 
It would probably surprise you, given all the cooking and recipe testing I do, that I have only made macaroni and cheese from scratch a few times. Perhaps I have always been suspicious of the main ingredient used in most recipes: Velveeta Cheese.
It is not a refrigerated product, but to its defense, it does have an amazing shelf life. The best thing about this product is that it produces a very creamy sauce.
But I recently found a grown-up version that I definitely will be making on repeat. It's creamy, made with three cheeses (not with Velveeta) and its absolutely delicious. The recipe serves six and is an Ever Ready Special. It was made on the stove top, transferred to a baking dish, and topped with a Panko crumb topping. It deserved to be served on a fancy china plate. Some options that could be added include steamed broccoli,  bacon, sausage bits, green chiles, or chopped tomatoes. Note: I used small elbow macaroni.
Baked Mac and Cheese
Ingredients:
  • 2-1/4 cups dry small elbow macaroni
  • 3 tablespoons of butter
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  •  3 cups whole milk
  • 1/3 cup sweet yellow onion, finely diced
  • 1/8 teaspoon of nutmeg, paprika, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes 
  • 1-1/2 cups Swiss cheese and 1-1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup dry white wine
  • Salt and pepper to taste 
Topping Ingredients:
  • 1 cup Italian Panko bread crumbs
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter 
Directions:
  • Make the topping ingredients and set aside.
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease an 8 x 8 baking dish.
  • Salt a pot of water and bring to a boil. Add pasta and cook al dente about 5.  Avoid over-cooking. 
  • Drain, rinse, and set aside. 
  • In another pot, melt butter and sauté onions.  Whisk in the flour and mustard, and keep whisking for 2 minutes. Make sure there are no lumps. Stir in milk and simmer for 8 minutes. Stir in Swiss and Cheddar cheeses, whisking until incorporated. 
  • Fold macaroni into cheese mixture and pour into baking dish. 
  • Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the dish and sprinkle the topping evenly over the dish, and bake uncovered for 25 minutes or until bubbling around the edges.    

Sunday, January 25, 2026

Soup's On

 

SOUP'S ON

Cook's notes: While you can never have too many cookie recipes, the same could also be said of soup. It's the perfect course for any meal. We all have our favorites and one of mine is an Ever Ready Special Italian Orzo Vegetable Soup with Sausage and Spinach.


RAID THE KITCHEN PANTRY AND REFRIGERATOR 

A soup that's simple, flavorful, and hearty. You probably have most of the ingredients on hand. It's comforting to have a simmering pot of soup on hand no matter what the weather. For easier prep, cook Italian sausage ahead as well as chopping veggies. Omit the meat and the recipe makes a great vegetarian soup. Pair the soup with cornbread, your favorite sandwich, or crusty artisan bread. The recipe serves 6.

Ingredients:
  • 2 -1/2 cups cooked Italian sausage, crumbled
  • 1-1/2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup each of diced, sweet onions, celery, carrots, mini sweet red and yellow peppers
  • 3 garlic cloves, peeled and minced
  • 8- 10 cups chicken broth, low sodium
  • 1 can (14 oz. ) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
  • 1-1/4 cups dried orzo or whole wheat orzo pasta or another small pasta
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning or 1/4 teaspoon each thyme, oregano. rosemary, basil
  • 1 teaspoon parsley flakes
  • 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 4 cups fresh spinach leaves, stems removed (1/2 of a 5 oz. bag)
  • Sea Salt and pepper to taste
  • Grated Parmesan cheese
Directions:
  • Heat olive oil in a large soup or stock pot.
  • Add in onions, celery, carrots, peppers and garlic.
  • Sauté for 2 minutes, stirring often. Cover and reduce to low heat. Sweat vegetables for 5-8 minutes. Stir occasionally.
  • Uncover and add broth, canned tomatoes, orzo, seasonings, and cooked sausage. Bring soup to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes. Stir in spinach leaves and cook until spinach is wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
  • Serve soup warm with grated Parmesan cheese.
  • To reheat use more chicken broth if the orzo has absorbed a lot of liquid.
POSSIBLE VARIATIONS:
This Italian Sausage, Orzo and Spinach Soup recipe is incredibly flexible regarding variations. So feel free to experiment with whatever ingredient swaps or additions sound good. For example, feel free to…Make it spicy: I highly recommend using good-quality spicy Italian sausage if you would like your soup to have some heat. Or you can also double the amount of crushed red pepper flakes used here. (Or if you prefer a milder soup, you can halve or omit the amount of crushed red pepper flakes entirely.) Other ideas include:
  • Add extra veggies: Feel free to toss in any other mild soup-friendly veggies that you have on hand, such as bell peppers, zucchini, green beans, broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus or peas.
  • Add beans: Feel free to add in a can of your favorite beans (rinsed and drained) for some extra protein.
  • Use a different protein: Shredded or diced chicken, ground beef, chicken sausage, or vegan sausage.
  • Use a different pasta shape: Really, any kind of pasta will work here, but I would recommend some sort of smaller bite-sized pasta shape if you do not have orzo.
  • Use different greens: Kale or collard greens would also be delicious in place of the baby spinach.
  • Use quinoa: If you would like to lighten up the soup a bit and make it gluten-free, you can also substitute quinoa (rinsed and drained) for the orzo.

Friday, January 23, 2026

Life Lately


 Sometimes life seems a bit heavy, and this is one of those weeks where it feels weighted down. One can't ignore the dreadful news and what is playing out in the political scene in Minnesota right now, as well as the sub-zero cold weather. Up North, where we come from, predicted temperatures -28, -20, -21 are just brutal. So, today cooking was a welcome diversion. 
Discovering this Blender Chocolate Mousse was definitely a day brightener. Imagine making this dessert in just 15 minutes!! The recipe was adapted from cookingmom.com and serves three. You only need a blender for this treat. Always use high-quality chips such as Ghirardelli with a high cocoa count. It is so delicious one might think you spent a lot of time putting it together. 
Ingredients: 
  • 1 cup semisweet or bittersweet chocolate chips
  • 1 egg, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon coffee liqueur or Amaretto and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • Fresh whipped cream - optional
  • 1/2 cup fresh berries - optional
Directions:
  • Place chocolate chips, egg, and coffee liqueur or vanilla in a blender and chop.
  • Heat the cream until very hot, with small bubbles forming at the edges.
  • Carefully pour hot cream into the blender.
  • Blend until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth.
  • Pour into dessert dishes or pretty wine or martini glasses.
  • Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until it firms (several hours).
  • Serve with fresh berries and/or whipped cream on top.
  • Makes enough for 2 to 3 servings.

BLUEBERRY BALSAMIC SALAD
Cook's Notes: The perfect light salad filled with nutritious ingredients for lunch or a light evening meal. The recipe was adapted from foodnetwork.com and serves 4.
Salad Ingredients:
  • Mixed greens (combination of baby spinach leaves and chopped romaine)
  • 1 pint of blueberries, rinsed and dried 
  • 1 cup diced cucumbers
  • 1 cup toasted walnuts
  •  1/3 cup diced red onions 
  • Boursin or Feta crumbles 
  • Optional add-in 1 cup drained Mandarin oranges   
Directions: 
Mix ingredients and drizzle lightly with dressing.

Balsamic Dressing  
Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing
Ingredients:
  • 2-3 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • Sea salt and ground pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup dark good-quality balsamic (I splurged and used dark chocolate balsamic-so good)
  • ½ cup good-quality olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Vinaigrette Dressing Directions:
  • Mix balsamic dressing ingredients in a blender. Taste-test to balance the ingredients, transfer to a screw-top jar, and refrigerate until serving. Reshake the jar and refrigerate any leftovers.

Wednesday, January 21, 2026

Chicken Wild Rice Blend and Broccoli Casserole

 

I've read how temperatures are predicted to plummet across the nation with icy conditions. I thought a comfort food casserole should be on your agenda.  The following recipe is an Ever Ready Special and serves six. Several steps for putting it together. can be completed the day before to save on preparation time. 
Chicken, Wild Rice Blend, and Broccoli with Cracker Topping 

Advance Preparation 

 Store ingredients in separate bags or plastic containers and refrigerate:  cooked rice, chopped chicken or turkey, chopped onions, minced cloves, celery, mushrooms, and cracker topping. Use a rotisserie chicken to make the recipe easier. I used a greased 8 x 11 pan.  

Ingredients:  

  • 2-3 cups cooked chicken or turkey, cubed 
  • 1 cup cooked rice ( I used Lundberg wild rice blend following their directions on the bag)
  • 1 tablespoon each olive oil and butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley flakes and 1/2 teaspoon dreid thyme
  • Dash red pepper flakes 
  • 1 cup diced sweet onions
  • 1 cup diced celery
  • 3/4 cup diced mushrooms
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup half and half
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 3 tablespoons flour
  • 1/4 cup dry white wine 
  • 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese 
  • 1/2 cup grated cheddar or Swiss cheese
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • Salt and pepper to taste 
Directions:

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees. 
  • Sauté in a large skillet with olive oil and butter, mushrooms, onions, celery, and garlic with dried seasoning and red pepper flakes.  
  • In a measuring glass, add broth, half and half, and flour. Whisk to blend and pour into the skillet. On low heat, blend the mixture until thickened, adding in the cheeses, rice, and chicken. Add in wine and blanched broccoli.
  • Mix well and pour into a baking dish, and bake for 25 minutes uncovered. Sprinkle the crumb topping over the casserole and bake for 10 minutes more. 
  • Let casserole rest 5 minutes before serving.    
Cracker or Cornflake Topping Ingredients
  • 1 sleeve of Ritz crackers, crushed or 1-1/2 cups crushed cornflakes
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • 1 teaspoon parsley flakes
  • 3 tablespoons crushed almonds
Directions:
  • Place crackers or cornflakes in a Ziploc bag with parsley flakes and almonds. Use a rolling pin to crush. Add in melted butter and reroll crumbs. 
  • Sprinkle over the casserole and bake 10 minutes more. 
How to Blanch Broccoli
  • Add broccoli to boiling water, boil for 2 minutes.
  • Drain and immediately rinse with cold water. Place on a paper towel to dry a bit before adding to the casserole mixture. 

  • Always make room for the unexpected in yourself ~ Steve Martin


Tuesday, January 20, 2026

Book Review Sir DoGoody Button and Fleabins The Great Troublemaker Book Two

 


Together, we can change the world one book at a time.

Read Your World is a non-profit whose mission is to raise awareness of children’s books that celebrate diversity and to get more of these books into readers' hands. Valarie Budayr and Mia Wenjen founded this non-profit children’s literacy initiative 13 years ago. They are two diverse book-loving moms who saw a need to shine a spotlight on the multicultural books and authors on the market, while also working to get those books into the hands of young readers and educators.

With the alarming increase in children’s books being challenged and banned, giving kids access to diverse stories is more important than ever.
We do this by donating books to reviewers and classroom libraries.
We provide book lists and classroom kits to help parents, guardians, teachers, librarians, and readers find the diverse children’s books that they need.
Our weekly Ig Live Interview series also highlights children's books, spotlighting multicultural books and authors on the market and working to get these books into readers' hands.
Let the mayhem begin for two best friends, Sir DoGoody Button, an Afghan dog, and Fleabins the Great, a flea. Their hilarious adventures lead to mischief, misunderstandings, and some challenges to overcome. Even when they cause problems for each other, they always remain kind, helpful, and supportive. The storyline has an energetic pace, with imaginative settings, all told from the pets' whimsical perspective. The hand-drawn illustrations are outstanding and perfectly complement the lively storyline. bringing doggie and flea fantasies to life. 
This book series would certainly be of high interest to reluctant readers as well as readers moving up to the chapter book level.   

Sir DoGoody Button and Fleabins The Great live in a mansion found inside Sir Do Goody Button's doghouse in the backyard of the Button's house. There is an elevator inside the doghouse that takes them down to the mansion. Step inside the mansion to a fantasy world of magical rooms that will excite readers as they explore it room by room.     

Fleabins is an energetic flea whose size can be compared to a chimpanzee when inside the mansion, but when outside in the world, he shrinks to the size of a small pea. Sometimes he can behave badly, and one never knows what he will do next, such as jumping in puddles, skipping off padded walls in the mansion, dressing up in fancy costumes, raiding the Treat Room, and even flying his tricycle to the park to help DoGoody, who really didn't need help anyway. 

In Book Two, Sir DoGoody who does not have a shrinking problem, meets several challenges. He rescues a baby bird, tries to get it to eat, and finds things in the mansion to keep it happy. DoGoody tries to impress a lady dog named Dumpling in a costume competition at the dog park, dressing up as a lion but his plan backfires.  DoGoody gets frustrated when the Button family decides he needs healthier dog food. Each new crisis  Fleabins and DoGoody face bring on hilarious results.  

Book Two is just as delightful and fun-filled as Book One. There are several more books planned in the series, and I am looking forward to DoGoody and Fleabins next adventures. I highly recommend this book for students, teachers, and parents.

Sue Ready is a freelance writer, food blogger, former elementary and middle school teacher, and book reviewer of all genres on Facebook at EverReady Book Reviews. 

to Foo Dee Doo Press LLC for gifting me a copy of the book. 

ALL ABOUT THE AUTHOR

K. Frances Carson is a children’s book author, physician, and, most importantly, the mom to three amazing young adult children. She lives in Los Angeles, in the neighborhood where she grew up, in a house filled with rescue dogs who are as big, silly, and ridiculous as the characters she writes about.

Shannon McKeon is an illustrator based in Oxfordshire, England. She began her art education at an early age, absorbing passion and technique from her mother, who is also a mixed-media artist. Shannon now spends her time illustrating children’s books and pursuing her own small art brands.

Read Your World is honored to be supported by these Medallion Sponsors
FOUNDER’S CIRCLE: Mia Wenjen (Pragmaticmom) and Valarie Budayr (Audreypress.com)

🏅 Super Platinum Sponsor: Author Deedee Cummings and Make A Way Media
🏅 Platinum Sponsors: Language Lizard Bilingual Books in 60 Languages and Jeanne Walker Harvey
🏅 Gold Sponsors: Publisher Spotlight
🏅 Silver Sponsors: Red Comet Press
🏅 Silver Corporate Sponsor: Kathy Choi
🏅 Bronze Sponsors: Fabled Films Press
🏅 Corporate Sponsor: Crayola Education

Read Your World is honored to be supported by these Author Sponsors!

Authors: Audrey Barbakoff, Federico Erebia, Teddi Ahrens, Stephanie M. Wildman, Maritza M. Mejia, Authors J.C. Kato and J.C.², Eugenia Chu, Dorktales Storytime Podcast, Josh Funk, Frances Díaz Evans, Gaia Cornwall, Eric Clock, Maria Wen Adcock, Diana Huang, Gwen Jackson, Gea Meijering, Amanda Hsiung-Blodgett, Ismee Williams, Karin Fisher-Golton, Kathleen Burkinshaw, Tami Lehman-Wilzig, Daria Marmaluk-Hajioannou, Nancy Tupper Ling, Teresa Robeson, Crystal Z. Lee, Karen Leggett Abouraya, Elly Swartz, Robbin Miller, Shifa Safadi, Tonya Ellis,Lisa Stringfellow, Sylvia Liu, Kimberly Biddle, Robbin Miller, Eric Clock, Tonya Ellis, Nadine Pressley, Natahsa Yim Carter, and Lisa Chong.

Read Your World is honored to be supported by our CoHosts and Global CoHosts and by our Partner Organizations!

Check out RYW’s Multicultural Books for Kids Pinterest Board!
Do not overlook this fantastic opportunity 📌 FREE RESOURCES from Read Your World Day
FREE RYW2026 Poster
FREE Building Community with Bilingual Books 2026 Classroom Kit
FREE Mental Health Support for Stressful Times Classroom Kit
FREE Diversity Book Lists & Activities for Teachers and Parents
FREE Homeschool Diverse Kidlit Booklist & Activity Kit
FREE Teacher Classroom Activism and Activists Kit
FREE Teacher Classroom Empathy Kit
FREE Teacher Classroom Kindness Kit
FREE Teacher Classroom Physical and Developmental Challenges Kit
FREE Teacher Classroom Poverty Kit
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FREE Diversity Book for Classrooms Program

A Valentine Riddle and a Chocolate Splurge

  A Valentine Riddle Poem by Edgar Allen Poe The Raven  is one of Edgar Allen Poe's most quoted poems. Due to its length, I am posting a...